Ross out to make his mark in Italy

MOTHERWELL golfer Ross Kellett is hoping another Italian job will kickstart what has been a difficult first season on the European Challenge Tour.

The 25-year-old has struggled to make an impact after a step up from the Alps Tour. His only significant prize is 1,700 euros for a share of 28th place in the Scottish Hydro Challenge at Aviemore last month.

Since then he has missed the cut in three tournaments, including the Swiss Challenge last week. But Kellett, who turned pro only 18 months ago, remains upbeat.

While the golfing world focuses on The Open at Muirfield this weekend, he will be back in Italy where he won his first pro tournament exactly a year ago.

Kellett said: “I haven’t been playing poorly, but the margins are small and you have to play pretty well to make the cut in these events.

“The standard is higher and this is the level I want to play at. I’m learning all the time.”

Kellett has been touring the circuit with fellow Motherwell player Steven O’Hara. The former European Tour regular has stepped down a level this season, but he too has struggled to find form.

Kellett is looking to turn things round in Tuscany this weekend. He said: “My coach pointed out that I have always had at least one good week every season since I started competitive golf as an amateur.

“That’s all it takes to change things. The prizemoney is much bigger than on the Alps Tour and a good finish can push you right up the Order of Merit.

“I enjoy playing in the heat and I enjoy playing in Italy, so I’m hopeful going into this tournament.”